ONE YEAR LATER

By Jeremy Imlach

One year later, we examine the fluctuating market values of various trending books, highlighting how the prices have been influenced by factors such as movie releases, media speculation, and fan interest. It discusses notable drops in value for several comics, including the first Indiana Jones issue and others like War of the Realms and The Sickness, illustrating that initial hype often gives way to more tempered market corrections. While some comics managed to sustain their worth, like Ultimate Fallout #4, many saw significant decreases, suggesting a broader trend of diminished investor confidence.

#10 RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK #1 | MARVEL | 1981

In 2015, we said goodbye to one of Harrison Ford's iconic characters in the form of Han Solo's tragic death at the hands of Kylo Ren. When Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull debuted, we all felt an ungratifying ending to the legendary character. Thankfully, Ford returned for one final hurrah as the heroic archeologist in The Dial of Destiny, released last year on June 30th. One year ago, when the hype was at its pinnacle, an NM Raw sold for a high of $12, and a Graded 9.8 sold for $300. The movie brought fans back to the character's roots while painfully reminding us that even our heroes are no match for Father Time. Since then, it seems the hype behind the character has simmered down. Recently, an NM Raw sold for a high of $6, and a Graded 9.8 sold for $140. Both cases are major BUSTS, showcasing that silver-screen FOMO doesn't always sustain value, even for classic characters. However, with prices settling, now presents itself as a good time to find undervalued copies to add to your collection. 

#9 WAR OF THE REALMS: NEW AGENTS OF ATLAS #1 | MARVEL | 2019

Since early 2020, Agents of Atlas has been rumored to become a part of the MCU eventually. Last year, Jennie, a member of a Korean K-Pop group named Blackpink, was rumored to have been offered the role of Luna Snow in an unnamed MCU project. The website allkpop.com reported the news, and sales of this book took off. However, soon after, Jennie Kim told a Korean news outlet that she had not been in talks with Marvel for any MCU role. We have seen many actors deny rumors in the past, only to find out they were true (we're looking at you, Andrew Garfield!). With nothing but rumors and a denial from Jennie Kim, this book was selling strong.

However, one year later, we were recently given a clearer vantage of the upcoming Marvel Studios project slate. Needless to say, Agents of Atlas is not rumored to be announced at Disney's upcoming SDCC panel or D23. Regardless, one year later, NM Raw sold for $20, and a Graded 9.8 sold for $62. While these are both BUSTS, the margins are fairly insignificant. This indicates both the popularity of Luna Snow and the hope that she will make her Marvel Studios debut in the highly anticipated upcoming Mutant Saga. If you're interested in buying in on Luna, it may be worth purchasing a Graded 9.8, given the small price difference in FMV between NM Raw and 9.8 Graded. But, given Bob Iger's statements regarding decreasing project output, it's unlikely we will see Luna Snow on the silver screen any time soon.

#8 THE SICKNESS #1 | UNCIVILIZED COMICS | 2023

One year ago, this book stayed at the top for multiple weeks, trading punches with the likes of Spawn and Spider-Boy! Seeing how well an indie book performed in the aftermarket was truly admirable. This book's popularity was based purely on the exceptionally positive reviews it received. No media news pump or key appearances pushed it to the top. It is simply a great comic book, and people wanted to read it! One year ago, an NM Raw sold for a high of $27, and a Graded 9.8 sold for $210. Unfortunately, the series was received well but not well enough to sustain the rapid aftermarket price growth. One year later, an NM Raw sold for $18, while a Graded 9.8 sold for $61. Both cases were BUSTS. At least if you're interested in reading Raw, copies are now more accessible. However, it seems this series has lost its collector appeal, at least for the time being.

#7 ULTIMATE FALLOUT #4 | MARVEL | 2011

Miles Morales was still seeing great sales as the aftermarket continued to boom with all things spider-verse. Miles Morales was already a successful character, and his movie was a nice reminder of that fact. He was an excellent successor to take on the mantle of Spider-Man and has been universally loved. The more we saw his first appearance make our lists, the more we remembered how great it was to be there for his debut in Marvel Comics. Given Miles' popularity, we also covered this book in last week's 4-year reflection, where, at the time, prices were a little lower than today, reflecting sustained values over time.

Last year, NM Raw sold for $398, and a Graded 9.8 sold for $1,990. One year later, an NM Raw sold for $372, and a Graded 9.8 sold for $1,036. So, while Raw copies have sustained value year over year, graded copies have fallen significantly. However, both are trending at similar FMVs year over year, sustaining this book as a collector's gem and solid investment. 

#6 ALL-STAR SUPERMAN #1 | DC | 2005

James Gunn has been turning all the gears on the revamp of the DC cinematic universe. While tensions remained high due to the seemingly sudden upending of all DC continuity, fans remained curious and waiting. Following the announcement of the DC slate in January 2023, Gunn had been fairly quiet about the progress of the cinematic universe. However, one year ago, we got an update that the new Superman and Lois Lane were cast for Superman: Legacy. This proof that production is moving forward gave this comic some steam. An NM Raw Copy sold for $8, and a Graded 9.8 sold for $175. The most recent update has been the first official image of David Corenswet as Superman, adorning a new take on the classic threads. Given this project's sustained news over the past year, prices have not moved too drastically.

One year later, an NM Raw sold for $8, sustaining the exact same value, while a Graded 9.8 sold for $140. A minor BUST for graded copies. Overall, this book will sustain its value as the project continues to steam ahead. Typically, we can expect aftermarket prices to increase closer to the first trailer drop.

#5 SPAWN #1 | IMAGE | 1992

Last year, we actually had news coming down the pipeline! The Spawn movie was in production and had an estimated release date! With years of production and post ahead of it, fans were clearly excited to see that the film was moving forward. One year ago, an NM Raw copy sold for $33, while a Graded 9.8 sold for $182. Following the announcement, after several delays, it was confirmed by Blumhouse Productions head Jason Blum that the Spawn Movie reboot is coming in 2025. The only update we’ve received since was from Blum, with…no comment. This has caused prices to drop slightly. One year later, an NM Raw sold for $25, and a Graded 9.8 sold for $140. Both present as slight BUSTS. However, it appears that Blumhouse Productions is determined to launch this project, so we will likely see this classic book trend once again.

#4 SPIDER-MAN #7 - HUMBERTO RAMOS - TOP SECRET SPOILER | MARVEL | 2023

Have you heard about Spider-Boy? This may be the first time we have written about him (he wrote sarcastically, knowing you've seen him in our NCBD, FOC, and Top 10 articles). Over the three months following his reveal over a year ago, Spider-Boy consistently remained on either the Top Ten or Runner-Up lists. His rate of sale tapered off a bit, but still not enough to take him off of our top contenders at the time. One year ago, an NM Raw sold for $41, and a Graded 9.8 sold for $146. Since then, the hype hasn't lived up to the price. One year later, an NM Raw sold for $20, and a Graded 9.8 sold for $75. From those prices one year ago, this was a major BUST for both Raw and Graded. However, the future for Spider-Boy remains bright! Now that his first appearance at FMV has settled, it presents a better time to buy into a character with major potential further down the road. 

#3 HULK ANNUAL #1 - GARY FRANK - REGULAR | MARVEL | 2023

Often, we see books in the spotlight due to news and rumors, so it's nice to see a book trending due to fan love. One year ago, this book introduced a new character to Hulk's story, The Eldest. Solicitations for INCREDIBLE HULK 2, released in late July, demonstrated that The Eldest was to be a major player in the war between Hulk and the Mother of Horrors. The solicitation read, "The Mother of Horrors demands her freedom! And in order to make it happen, her most dutiful servant - a terrifying monstrosity who calls herself the Eldest - seeks to reclaim that wayward son of monsters: the Hulk himself."

At the time, an NM Raw sold for $19, and a Graded 9.8 sold for $130. While the issue performed well and received good reviews, it was insufficient to sustain value. One year later, an NM Raw sold for $6, and a Graded 9.8 sold for $60. This drop does constitute a BUST; it is important to remember that while it's unclear what the future holds for The Eldest, what is clear is that the aftermarket movement greatly exaggerated the character's immediate impact.

#2 SPIDER-MAN 2099 #1 | MARVEL | 1992

Miguel O'Hara was a major fan favorite even before his spectacular debut in Across the Spider-Verse. His popularity transcended comic fans and crossed over to movie fans, who first ever saw this Spider-Man in cinemas. What kept Miguel O'Hara on our top lists is that this key issue is affordable and easy to find. It also has a sick cover. One year ago, an NM Raw sold for $21, and a Graded 9.8 sold for $173. As we anticipate the next installation of the Spider-Verse movies, sales around Miguel have settled. One year later, an NM Raw sold for $12, and a Graded 9.8 sold for $103, presenting both as BUSTS. However, with more Spider-Man 2099 on the horizon, this will be an issue to keep a close eye on.

#1 STAR WARS: DOCTOR APHRA #33 - DAVID MARQUEZ | MARVEL | 2023

This book isn't a key issue, retailer incentive, or store exclusive, and there weren't any new rumors about Aayla Secura in any live-action projects at the time. Her death was retconned in the previous issue, allowing her to return to the spotlight on this gorgeous cover. Copies of this issue began to hit the aftermarket at breakneck speeds, seeing an immediate increase in demand and value. One year ago, an NM Raw sold for $25, and a Graded 9.8 had a high of $96 in September of 2023. One year later (or less), an NM Raw sold for $10, and a Graded 9.8 sold for $39. In both cases, Raw and Graded performed as BUSTS year over year. While fans are excited to get more Aayla, investors aren't seeing the same value in her resurrection. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

While most of the books in this review showcase lower prices, some present themselves as opportunities for collectors looking to acquire undervalued copies. With prices settling, it could be an ideal time for savvy collectors to invest in these books at a more affordable rate, potentially leading to future gains if interest resurges. Additionally, key comics like Ultimate Fallout #4 are sustaining more affordable prices, allowing collectors to get their hands on some of their favorites. 

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